'Crabs ready for rowdy playoff crowd at home

Nov. 11, 2011 at 5:11 a.m.

Their undefeated regular season has as much relevance as the 2010 playoff loss to Boerne Champion. Richard Whitaker and the rest of his Calhoun Sandcrabs consider Friday's game against San Antonio Lanier a completely different season.

Yes, the game may be in Port Lavaca; however, there will likely be a different intensity at Sandcrab Stadium.

"They know our fans are going to come out and support us," Whitaker said of his team. "They are going to be loud and rowdy and hopefully, we are going to gain some momentum out of the emotion of our crowd."

Offensively, the Sandcrabs have outscored opponents 250-59 in district play. Yet, what may be more impressive is they have punted the football just once since the beginning of October.

The Voks are coming off a 22-20 loss to San Antonio Southside last week. They are 7-3 on the season, with one of those wins being a Sept. 3 victory over Floresville.

Whitaker said he has spoken with Floresville football coach John Baker to get some context about the Voks, but added he is more focused on what Lanier has done in recent weeks.

Lanier uses 50 defense, which is similar to what the Sandcrabs use. Seniors Rudy Cardenas and Juan Lozoya have combined for nine interceptions on the season. On offense the Voks use a power running game to move the football. Junior running back Isaac Cervantes might be 5-foot-5-inches tall, but he has run for 1,813 and 25 touchdowns.

Of course Calhoun can counter with its dynamic backfield, which as run for 52 touchdowns this season. Through 10 games Whitaker said there isn't anything his team hasn't seen, so as long as they execute the Sandcrabs will be confident.

"They understand the finality of the playoffs. If you have a bad night and you are not successful you are done," Whitaker said. "From here on out, they understand this is a must win situation. This is what our kids have worked for all year long. ..I feel our kids will be ready to play."